The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is reminding the community to not enter canola crops to pose for photographs to ensure they are not unwittingly spreading weeds, pests and diseases.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is reminding the community to not enter canola crops to pose for photographs to ensure they are not unwittingly spreading weeds, pests and diseases.
DPIRD Regional Biosecurity Co-ordinator Richard Watkins said the regions were blooming with canola crops and wildflowers which made appealing photo backdrops, however locals and tourists should not be jumping fences into paddocks to protect crops from biosecurity threats.
"Weed seeds and soil material that may contain a fungal disease could easily be spread on footwear or vehicles to other properties, which could have a potentially devastating impact on crops," he said.
"It is not appropriate to jump the fence onto a farmer's property, it is best to stay on the road verge to admire the view and take photographs from there."
Mr Watkins said National Biosecurity Week was a great opportunity to remind the public how they can WA's robust surveillance and early detection efforts by monitoring road verges for pests and diseases and reporting observations using the MyPestGuide Reporter app.
"Roadside monitoring makes an important contribution to biosecurity surveillance, as a first line of defence," he said.
"If you are stopping to admire the wildflowers and crops, please also keep and eye out for anything that looks unusual and make a report."
To report suspected pests and diseases download the MyPestGuide Reporter app for free from Google Play and Apple App Store
